Data Sheet

Studio Technologies, Inc. Model 5412 Audio Interface, Issue 2, Page 2
Dante audio-over-Ethernet has found wide acceptance as
an audio “backbone” due to its ease of use, interoperability,
excellent audio quality, and wide adoption by a large number
of equipment manufacturers. The Model 5412 can serve as an
“edge” device for Dante network implementations, providing
high-performance line-level analog input and output resources
in a compact, cost-effective package. The unit can also serve as
a general-purpose audio “tool” to help extend Dante capabili
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ties to facilities and applications that were initially implemented
to support signals in the analog domain.
Dante Audio-over-Ethernet
Digital audio data associated with the Model 5412 is interfaced
with a local area network (LAN) using Dante audio-over-
Ethernet media networking technology. Status LEDs provide
a real-time indication of Dante and LAN performance. A
major benefit of using Dante is its ability to use any standard
Ethernet network implementation, including switches, to
directly transport professional audio signals. The Model 5412
supports digital audio signals with a sampling rate of 44.1, 48,
and 96 kHz and a bit depth of up to 24. These sampling rates
were selected for optimal support of broadcast, production,
industrial, and commercial applications. The signals associated
with the analog input channels are converted to digital and then
routed to transmitter (output) channels on the Dante interface.
Eight transmitter (output) channels from one or more associ
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ated Dante-enabled devices can be assigned to the Model
5412’s receiver (input) channels using the Dante Controller
software application. These input signals are converted into
analog and then, depending on the unit’s configuration, sent
to the analog output circuitry.
Network Ports
Using the Dante Controller software application, the Model
5412’s two Dante Ethernet ports can be selected to operate
in either the switched or redundant modes. In the switched
mode a single Ethernet connection is used for interconnection
with other Dante-compliant devices. The second Model 5412
Dante Ethernet port can be used to interface with another piece
of network equipment. In the redundant mode independent
Ethernet connections would be made to the unit’s two Ethernet
ports implementing Dante’s redundant network capability.
The Model 5412’s third Ethernet port will always be used to
access the management web pages. This port can be connected
to an independent network that some facilities implement for
equipment monitoring and maintenance purposes. The unit’s
management port can also be connected to the network that
is being used for Dante. It would have a unique IP address and
not interact with the Dante audio data.
Applications
Two versions of the Model 5412 are available. The Model
5412-01 provides 8 line-level analog inputs and 8 line-level
analog outputs. The Model 5412-02 provides 16 line-level
analog inputs and 16 line-level analog outputs. Both units are
general-purpose interface devices intended for a variety of
audio and audio-for-picture applications that utilize Dante. Each
is suitable for use in demanding on-air broadcast and live-event
applications that require both solid audio performance and reli
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able operation. Model 5412 units feature an optimized set of
controls and indicators that make it simple and intuitive to use.
Rack-mounted in “1U” the unit is appropriate for installation in
fixed locations, serving the needs of systems associated with
post-production, content distribution, education, commercial,
and government facilities. The lightweight enclosure also makes
it suitable for mobile and field uses.
Analog Inputs
Depending on the version selected, the Model 5412 will
provide either 8 or 16 analog inputs that are compatible with
balanced or unbalanced line-level sources. The input signals
are converted to digital and then output to an Ethernet network
via Dante. Compatible signal sources include audio consoles,
wireless microphone receivers, broadcast playback equipment,
and output ports on matrix intercom systems.
The analog inputs are electronically balanced (differential),
capacitor-coupled, and ESD (static) protected for reliable
operation in demanding applications. Extensive filtering mini
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mizes the chance that radio frequency (RF) energy will cause
interference. The analog inputs are protected from damage
should a moderate DC voltage be accidentally connected.
These characteristics make the analog inputs suitable for
use in studio and mobile facilities as well as field-deployed
environments.
The audio performance of the Model 5412’s analog inputs is
very good. Low-noise, wide dynamic-range circuitry ensures
that audio quality is preserved. The audio signals are routed to
high-performance analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) sections
that support a range of sampling rates and a bit depth of 24.